The Next Phase program provides entrepreneurs and small business owners the opportunity to engage in commerce and learn more about the skill sets needed to run a successful retail business.
PROGRAM COMMITMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS: BEFORE YOU APPLY
For each participant, they commit to a period of involvement in the program (six months) during which they are afforded access to the Next Phase retail opportunity as well as the Next Phase Co-Working Space.
Participants in the program are organized into groups, and each group is expected to work together to provide physical coverage for the retail operation during normal business hours, as well as support sales functions for the space.
Participants also are required to attend workshops and learning sessions to cover specific business areas for a retail business, anything from effective merchandising, to hiring practices, to support services such as inventory tracking and accounting.
Program participants pay a monthly fee while they are in the program, and a small fee per item sold to help support the program’s costs.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications for the program are accepted year round. New participants are added on a rotational basis as previous participants time out. Applicants begin by filling out an application form and submitting it to the Chamber. Applications are reviewed by program staff, and select applicants are interviewed to determine their fit for the space and program.
If selected, the participant signs a contract for the space and program.